Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector for a Brake Controller on a 2005 Ford Escape without Tow Package
Question:
I have a 2005 Ford Escape without a towing package. I recently purchased a bass boat without trailer brakes and would like to install trailer brakes on the trailer and add the appropriate wiring for the vehicle. It appears that most of the wiring kits on the site are 4 pole for the 2005 Ford Escape. Is there a 7 blade wiring kit for the 2005 Ford Escape? Thanks!
asked by: Andrew G
Expert Reply:
Since your 2005 Ford Escape did not come with a tow package, you will have to hardwire a 7-Way trailer connector after installing a 4-Way trailer connector. Adding the 4-Way first makes installation easier for the 7-Way. There are no 7-Way connectors that will allow you to plug and play as the vehicle is not equipped with the appropriate wiring from the factory.
What you will need to start with is a 4-Way, # 118426. The connection points on the vehicle are located behind the tail lights. The harness plugs in line with the tail light wiring and a power wire will need to be run to the battery. The power wire provides most of the power for the trailer lights and protects the Escape wiring system. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to a video showing a typical installation.
After you have the 4-Way installed you will need a 4 and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit will provide a 7-Way (while still retaining a functioning 4-Way) at the back of the vehicle. It also includes all of the wiring, circuit breakers, and installation parts you will need. The only other tool you will need is a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, if you do not already have one.
The 4-Way plugs into the back of the ETBC7, eliminating the need to hardwire those wires to the 7-Way. There will be 4 wires left to hardwire to the vehicle: White grounds to the vehicle frame, black connects to the battery via a 40 amp circuit breaker, blue connects to the blue wire on a brake controller, and purple will attach to the reverse light wire behind one of the tail lights. If the trailer you plan to tow does not have reverse lights, you can tape up the purple wire and stow it out of the way.
For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is one of our most popular brake controllers because it is easy to set up and easy to use.
I have included links to the installation details and a video for the ETBC7 that should help you. I have also included a link to the installation details for the brake controller for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Plug-N-Tow (R) Vehicle Wiring Harness
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
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